Apple has introduced some new tools to its Apple Business Connect program that could be useful to consumers.
The most notable update is Business Caller ID. When it launches next year, companies of all sizes will be able to sign up to display their name, logo, and department when they contact customers.
This will help recipients distinguish calls from legitimate businesses from spam calls.
Apple Business Connect lets companies control how they appear across apps in the Apple ecosystem.
In 2023, Apple allowed businesses to customize their listings on Maps, Messages, Siri, and Wallet.
The updates extend this branding tool to all businesses, including those without physical stores.
In addition to launching business call recognition, the program also adds branding information to the Mail and Phone apps. Participating businesses can also add their logo to the Tap to Pay feature for contactless payments.
In a related development, technology market analysis firm Canalys said the iPhone 16 series will help Apple “finish 2024 strongly and build momentum for the first half of 2025,” partly thanks to information from Apple Intelligence.
However, analysts believe that Apple's success in the third quarter of 2024 will mainly come from the previous iPhone model.
“Strong demand for the iPhone 15 series and older iPhone models contributed significantly to the company’s third-quarter performance. Apple achieved its highest-ever third-quarter sales and has never been closer to leading the global smartphone market,” said Runar Bjorhovde, an analyst at Canalys.
